MIA is the third-busiest in the United States for international travelers. With so many passengers passing through, the 3,230-acre airport has expanded into its own mini-city with shopping, restaurants, and attractions.
Sometimes, though, when you are traveling and have long layovers you just have to get out of the airport and see some of the sights nearby. It’s a great time to pick up some essentials and souvenirs at local stores. There are numerous shops and kiosks inside the Miami International Airport but there are also several shops and shopping centers nearby.
Before you head into Miami and hit the stores you might want to find a luggage locker near Miami International Airport to drop off your bags. This will allow you to browse the shops without having to check your bags at every store you enter.
Now check out the best places to browse and buy near the Miami International Airport.
1. Airpark Plaza
Get a little shopping done at the Airpark Plaza, an outdoor shopping center that has a little bit of everything. From big-box stores to small boutiques, you will be able to find just what you are looking for, including gifts and electronics.
Spend a few hours browsing the stores looking for bargains and must-buy gifts. You can even sit down to a nice meal at one of several restaurants or grab a quick meal on the go from one of the fast-food joints in the food court.
2. Miami International Merchandise Mart
Filled with wholesale shops offering a wide variety of different goods, the Miami Merchandise Mart has it all. This large shopping center is a great place to look for unique and inexpensive gifts and souvenirs.
Shop for clothing, jewelry, home goods, electronics, and much more. Buy in bulk or just buy a few things. With the low prices, you can easily fill a suitcase or two to take home with you.
Miami Merchandise Mall
The Miami Merchandise Mall is several different shops and boutiques. It is also connected to a hotel so if your layover is overnight, you can shop until you drop and then grab a room for the night.
Stroll through the mall and do a little window shopping, the entire mall is clean and fresh and a great place to spend a few hours. Get out of the Miami heat and into the air conditioning and shop for beachwear, clothing, and accessories while here.
Miami International Mall
Located in Doral, just to the southwest of downtown Miami, the Miami International Mall is just minutes from the airport. This spacious mall is well laid out making it easy to find the stores you are looking for.
Many of the shops and boutiques host sale days where you can find fantastic deals on quality merchandise. Sit back and enjoy a filling meal at the food court where flavors from around the world can be sampled all in one large, clean place.
Dolphin Mall
Once you have explored the Miami International Mall, you will want to check out the larger Dolphin Mall just to the west of the airport. Technically, the Dolphin Mall is not an outlet mall, but there are several discount and outlet stores for you to explore.
With over 240 different name-brand discount stores and retail outlets, you can expect to spend several hours browsing searching for the best deals. There is a food court where you can grab a bite to eat or sit and rest between stores.
Central Shopping Plaza
Head to the heart of Miami and visit the Central Shopping Plaza next to the Magic City Casino. The plaza is only about five minutes from the airport. After spending time exploring the plaza, you can take a stroll through downtown Miami.
Filled with brand-name retailers, big box stores, and quaint boutiques, the Central Shopping Plaza is an eclectic shopping center with a bit of everything. Peruse the stores and grab a bite to eat at one of the fast-food places inside the plaza.
Britto Gift Store
Headed back to the airport? Located inside, the Britto Gift Store is one of the coolest places to spend some time browsing the different things they have to offer. The staff is super friendly and willing to help you find what you need.
Even though you probably already have suitcases, the travel bags and suitcases at Britto Gift Store are very interesting and come in several different sizes, shapes, and colors. The souvenirs here are great for those last-minute gifts you may need.
Duty Free Americas
Located inside MIA at Gate E20, Duty Free Americas is one of the leading travel retailers that offer tax-free, duty-free tobacco, liquor, gifts, and fragrances. Each Duty Free Americas shop offers great quality items for travelers.
Jewelry, tobacco, wines, cosmetics, fragrances, snacks, and sunglasses as well as luxury leather goods are available. You will be able to find last-minute gifts, travel essentials, and even kitschy souvenirs.
Hudson Booksellers
While many people feel books have gone out of fashion, there are still a lot of people out there that enjoy turning the pages of a physical book instead of scrolling through an e-book. Hudson Booksellers is located inside MIA.
Pick up a best-seller to keep you company on your flight or grab a few magazines to occupy your time while waiting for take-off. You can even find copies of some of the classics. Aside from reading materials, the shop offers a variety of sundries.
Plan a Shopping Trip in Miami
Have a long layover? Grab some travel essentials that you may have not packed or search for the perfect gifts for friends and family back home. You will have a fantastic time browsing through Miami malls, shops and plazas. If you have more time you might like to view more great things to do in Miami.
